She was born and raised Nancy Miller in Oakwood, and graduated from New Dorp High School. She moved to Annadale when she was in her 20s, and relocated to Hazlet around 1983.

Mrs. Pawlak is survived by her husband of 44 years, Richard; her sons, Matthew and Brian; her daughter, Anastasia Wendel; her parents, Raymond and Dorothy Miller; two brothers, Raymond and Thomas Miller, and a grandson.